Applying to Grad School: Your Month-by-Month Guide

So, you’re applying to grad school next year—congrats! This is an exciting time, but it’s also a busy one. And even though next fall might seem like a long way away, there’s a lot that needs to be accomplished in the months leading up to your first class.

To help you get organized, stay on track, and have the best chances for getting into your dream school, we’ve put together a month-by-month guide to the grad school application process. Here’s what you need to know and do, starting now.

July/August

Study for and Take Standardized Tests

August is the ideal time to take the standardized tests necessary for admissions because you’ll have time to retake them in the fall if you’re unhappy with your scores.

So, you’ll want to start preparing in July (if not earlier). Different techniques work for different people, so think about what kind of study experience you want.
The Princeton Review
and other standardized test prep organizations frequently offer classes for the LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, and
GRE
, and many applicants find
this structured, classroom-type environment
helpful in staying on track.

If you prefer to study on your own, or
you’re on a tight budget
, you can also borrow review books from your local or university libraries. Or, look into private tutors, who can be immensely helpful (if you’re willing to cough up the dough).

September

Research Financial Aid

Now is a good time to get a head start on researching financial aid. Start by
creating a budget
, outlining how much money you’ll need for tuition, housing, books, fees, and living expenses. You can typically find sample budget breakdowns on program websites, but you should adjust them up or down based on your own needs.

Then, make a list of possible funding sources. Most degrees will cost you out of pocket, but some programs offer fellowships and scholarships or work-study opportunities. Learn what federal student aid is available to you, and also
research field-specific grants
or alumni scholarship opportunities you can apply for.

Select Schools to Apply To

Now is the time to narrow down the programs you’d like to apply to. You don’t have to visit each school at this point, but you should
do extensive online research
about prospective programs—scoping out things like curriculum, reputation, cost, faculty expertise, support services, and alumni networks. Also comb through their applications and necessary requirements.

Once you have some solid drafts prepared, get a second (or third) set of eyes on your work. Ask your college career counselor or someone you think writes well to read your essays and provide feedback. And leave yourself time for revisions!

Request Letters of Recommendation

Decide which faculty members, employers, or other people you will
ask for letters of recommendation
. Once you’ve narrowed down your list, send emails to request meetings with each person—whether it’s in person or over the phone, you’ll want to discuss your grad school plans and goals before they start writing.

Depending on how well you know your recommender, he or she may ask you to write a “sample letter.” Many faculty members are pressed for time and find it easier to adjust letters than to write them. If so, don’t panic! Take advantage of a great opportunity to
talk yourself up
.

Also be prepared to provide each recommender with a copy of your transcript, your statement of purpose, your resume or CV, and each program's recommendation form.

November

Order Transcripts

Visit your college registrar’s office and order official transcripts to be sent to each program you are applying to. If you’re still in college, you can request that your transcripts be held until fall semester grades are posted, particularly if you think they’ll give your application a boost.

Begin Application Documents

Start filling out online application documents and any supplemental materials required. You won’t need to hit send for another month, but it’s good to get a head start.

Get Organized

Make a timeline of due dates and make sure that your earliest applications are ready. Create a folder (electronic or paper) for each school and make sure that you keep necessary materials for each program separate. You
definitely
don’t want to
send your UCLA statement to Stanford
!

December/January

Send in Applications

Proofread all of your admissions materials and make sure that you’ve filled out every last field on your application form. Then, send them off—fingers crossed!

Confirm Receipt

Make sure that you receive a confirmation statement from each school within two weeks. Contact the admissions office if you do not receive an email, postcard, or letter assuring you they have your application.

Then, let the waiting game begin.

February

Prepare for Admissions Interviews

Schools typically begin contacting students for interviews (if this is a part of their admissions process) about 2-4 weeks after application deadlines. At this point, you’ll want to rank the schools that have invited you and accept invitations in order of priority.

For each program you’ll be interviewing with, set up a new folder with everything you’ll need for your visit. Make a list of questions you have for faculty and staff, and prepare answers to questions you think they may ask. You’ll also want to
book flights and make travel arrangements
.

Secure Financial Aid or Develop a Funding Plan

Determine if you will receive any fellowship or scholarship money and from which departments. If you aren’t offered funding through the school, you’ll need to start on your
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application
by assembling required documents, such as bank statements, W-2s, investment records, and federal income tax returns. If you are married, in a domestic partnership, or a dependent you will also need your spouse’s, partner’s, or parents’ tax return.

March/April

Visit Campuses

For each campus you visit, create an itinerary with the program coordinator. Meet with faculty, especially potential advisors or mentors, and ask thoughtful questions. Try to sit in on a few classes and meet with current students, too—anything that might help you picture yourself as a student there. Also plan to spend time checking out the surrounding city—your grad school experience goes far beyond the classroom, so make time to think about if you could live in this location!

Make a Decision

Everyone has a different approach for
making important decisions
, so stick to your method! Perhaps you make pro/con lists or spreadsheets to calculate the weight of different factors, or, hey, even flip a coin. Go through your process, rank your schools, and make your decision!

Topics

Tamara Powell is a lecturer in Communication Studies at California State University, Sacramento and a doctoral candidate at the University of California, San Diego. Tamara lives in Sacramento with her husband and enjoys running, gardening, and brewing kombucha. Connect with her at www.tamarapowell.com.